PRINCESS ANNE, Maryland — The University of Maryland Eastern Shore needed a victory on Saturday in order to pick up some momentum as the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Tournament gets closer on the horizon.

In the first of three straight home games, that's just what they got with a 76-34 win against visiting South Carolina State. The Hawks (6-17, 2-7 MEAC) have battled inconsistency this season, but the young squad came out to set the tone early against the Bulldogs with a 22-7 first quarter and buried them further from there.

Next up for the Hawks is a 5:30 p.m. battle with North Carolina Central on Monday (Feb. 20). The Eagles (12-13, 6-4 MEAC) stand in fourth place in the conference and topped UMES 82-77 at home on Jan. 23.

"When we played in Durham, we did some good things, but we did some things where we shot ourselves in the foot," Hawks coach Fred Batchelor said. "Turnovers hurt us like they have in other games and with the lead late, we weren't able to make good choices to help us close out the game."

The offense found a way against South Carolina State Saturday despite a quiet game from both Mahogany Lester (Virginia, Beach, Virginia) and Ariana Seawell (The Bronx, New York). Both had a strong game against the Eagles on the road.

Seawell had 16 points — on 7-of-10 shooting — and 11 rebounds, while adding an assist, a block and a steal. Lester ripped down 14 rebounds to go with 15 points and had two blocks and an assist.

After Monday's battle, the Hawks will host Coppin State (6-18, 3-6 MEAC) on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. in a contest that was rescheduled from Jan. 28. They will then face off with the Eagles on the road on Saturday (Feb. 25).